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Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster
Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Porsche 
Ford Focus RS vs. Porsche Boxster - Click above to view the video after the jump
When it comes to a German-American face-off, you could do a lot worse than pitting the BMW M3 against Ford's 5.0-liter V8 powered Mustang. How much worse? How about a comparison test between a base Porsche Boxster and Ford's turbocharged, torque-steering Focus RS.
Granted, the rationale for the shoot-out came down to cost. Across the pond both the Boxster and the Focus sticker for about the same amount. But that's about where the similarities end. Almost.
While the Focus channels over 300 horsepower to the front wheels, it also tips the scales 3,200 pounds. Compared to the 2,900-pound, 255-hp, rear-driven Boxster, Ford's hottest hatch comes off as rather portly, although both manage to run to 60 mph in under six seconds.
But beyond the stats and the all-too-important lap time, the real question is how best to spend your sports car money and which vehicle is the most entertaining to drive. For that, you've got to jump.
[Source: AutoExpress]Continue reading Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments | Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster wired up outside the 'Ring
Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche 
2012 Porsche Boxster - Click above for high-res image gallery
As expected, the Spyder is the send-off model for the current generation Porsche Boxster (987), so a new version - rumored to carry the 981 designation - is under development.
Like anything hailing from Stuttgart, any changes to Boxster's chassis and exterior will be minor, with more shapely sheetmetal adorning the outside and a few minor modifications to the suspension, brakes and assorted underbody bits. Naturally, a few interior tweaks are part of the package, but the big news is the possible addition of a four-cylinder powerplant for the 2012 model year.
While the 2.9- and 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder engines will likely carryover with minor bumps in horsepower and torque, there's talk of a four-cylinder Boxster being added to Porsche's line-up just above its oft-rumored entry-level model - a rebirth of the 914 co-developed with Volkswagen and Audi. Additionally, Porsche has confirmed it will begin testing three Boxsters with electric drivetrains next year, but technical details on the EVs have yet to be released.
Initial speculation suggested that the 2012 Boxster could make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show this fall, but the smart money is on a Geneva debut in March.
Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster wired up outside the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments | Musical chairs continues with execs at VW/Porsche
Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Porsche, Volkswagen  Volkswagen continues its executive shell game. The company has announced that Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert will take the reigns as its new chief product strategist. If you follow the comings and goings of auto execs, Wolpert's name likely sounds familiar. He's the hardy soul who brought the most successful model in Porsche's history to life: the Cayenne. Wolpert will slide into the void left by Matthais Mueller, who takes over as the new CEO of Porsche.
Stay with us, now - this where things get tricky.
Michael Macht, Porsche's former CEO, will step into Jochem Heizmann's old role as VW production boss. Heizmann, meanwhile, will stay on the company's board as the head honcho over its truck division.
This sort of interbreeding between Volkswagen and Porsche was bound to accelerate once the two seriously joined forces. VW is well on its way toward taking over vehicle manufacturing operations at the sports car company, and in the future, we're likely to see the two share platforms and even engines.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Musical chairs continues with execs at VW/Porsche originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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